8 minute read
7 TOP CANTERBURY WALKS
© AA Traveller 2021
1. KAIKŌURA PENINSULA WALKWAY
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Seal, Kaikōura Peninsula © Adobe Stock
Where is it? In Kaikōura, on the northeast of the South Island.
Terrain: Easy walking tracks.
Need to know: Be wary of the seals in the Kean Point car park as males can be territorial.No dogs 5min-3hr; 200m-11.7km. Basic fitness required. Easy walking.
What a legend: It’s said that when Maui fished the North Island out of the ocean, he used the Kaikōura Peninsula to brace himself.
TRACK OVERVIEW: Start in the centre of town and head towards The Esplanade and Point Kean car park. Along the way make time to stop and read the interpretation panels which tell the stories of the area’s vibrant history. Travel across the peninsula’s cliff tops, where the views over to the Kaikōura Ranges and along the coast to South Bay are spectacular. Near historic Fyffe House learn about the significance of this area for both Māori and colonial settlers. The viewpoint at Point Kean is designed to represent a waka and the views there are excellent, also. This is a good place to see birdlife, from oyster catchers to reef herons and possibly even little blue penguins. Continue on to Whalers Bay viewpoint and learn how the forest would have looked thousands of years ago. From Whalers Bay proceed to South Bay viewpoint and the burgeoning colony of Hutton’s shearwaters, then continue towards the town centre via Scarborough St, and follow Tom’s Track back to The Esplanade. A delightful and educational walk for all ages.
2. MT ISOBEL TRACK
Where is it? Towering above Hanmer Springs Village, in the Canterbury region, 133km from Christchurch.
Walking in Hanmer Springs © Hanmer Springs Spa & Pool
Terrain: Bush path, alpine trails some scree.
Good to know: In the winter it can snow up here and the exposed areas can be very windy, so exercise common sense and be mountain smart, dress warmly and prepare for all weather conditions.
Need to know: 6hr return; 7km. Good fitness required. Steep climb; hard tramping track. Access for dogs on lead only.
TRACK OVERVIEW: Hanmer Springs is a charming resort town and, while you could enjoy the waters all day, there are adventures to be had. Mt Isobel is the perfect location to ensure you deserve your subsequent hot soak. With several short walks, possibly the finest is the full day walk up Mt Isobel (1342m). Start at the Clarence Valley Rd car park and wander through woodland before you enter subalpine scrub and open grassland. For the botanically minded, the hebe will be of interest. As you walk above the Dog Stream catchment, you’ll link with the upper reaches of the Waterfall Track before starting your climb. Although a bit of effort is required to reach the summit, the panoramic views of the Hanmer Basin, Waiau Plain and surrounding mountains, notably Organ and Hanmer, make it all worthwhile.
3. DEVILS PUNCHBOWL WALKING TRACK
Feel the full force and hear the sound of fresh mountain water falling 131m down one of New Zealand’s most stunning waterfalls. It’s suitable for a twilight/evening walk. If you venture out after dusk, there is a good chance you’ll hear or see one of the endangered great spotted kiwi/roroa, the ‘mountaineer’ of kiwi. Listen for a loud snuffling or a harsh whistling cry and you’ll know one is close by. If you are lucky enough to see a bird don’t pursue or interfere with it or take photographs using your flash. A head-torch with an infrared light is recommended for evening walks.
Devils Punchbowl © Adobe Stock
Where is it? The track starts at the northern end of Arthur’s Pass village, just off SH 73 at the Punchbowl car park (signposted off the highway).
Terrain: Note that low-to-moderate fitness is required for this track as it has a gradual incline with steps. Some people may find the large number of steps challenging.
Need to know: 1hr return; 2km return. Low-to-moderate fitness required. Gradual incline and steps. No dogs.
TRACK OVERVIEW From the start of the walk, follow the footbridge across the Bealey River. The next bridge, over Devils Punchbowl Creek, has a good view of the waterfall. From here, wander through lush beech forest with friendly fantails/pīwakawaka and tomtits before climbing 150m up a series of steps to a viewing platform at the base of this spectacular waterfall. Return on the same track. The top of this incredible 131m waterfall can be seen from the main road. This walk to the base can be enjoyed all year round.
4. AWAROA/GODLEY HEAD LOOP TRACK
Godley Head © Adobe Stock
Where is it? Start at Godley Head car park in Sumner about 20 minutes drive from Christchurch CBD.
Terrain: Well-formed trails; some of the paths down to the caves require extra care.
Good to know: There’s a campsite at Godley Head.
Need to know: 3hr return; 9.3km loop. Low fitness required. Easy walking track. Access for dogs on a leash and not on the beach in summertime.
TRACK OVERVIEW: Setting off from Godley Head car park, plot a course to Taylors Mistake beach and the Pilgrims Way track. Follow the well-signposted paths above Mechanics Bay and alongside remnants of the Second World War including the battery observation posts that overlook the entrance to Lyttelton Harbour. Carry on until you reach Boulder Bay, keep on past the Godley Battery Compound and either return the same way or take the shared-use Anaconda Track to Breeze Col. If you choose the second option, be on the lookout for bikes. This walk offers gorgeous views of Christchurch city, the Heathcote and Avon estuaries, and New Brighton Beach. Sharp-eyed wildlife fans will also want to keep a watch out for dolphins, seals and whales.
5. ROUND THE MOUNTAIN VIA CURRY TRACK
Where is it? Start at Akaroa or Heritage Park which is accessible from Long Bay Rd or on foot via Woodills Track.
Terrain: Mostly unformed track but signposted, with prolonged ups and downs. Includes some road walking.
More walks: Akaroa and Banks Peninsula have many great walks, from short hikes to all-day tramps. Even a quiet wander around the pretty town of Akaroa is worth making time for.
Need to know: 4hr return; 10.9km. Reasonable fitness required. Intermediate walking track. No dogs.
TRACK OVERVIEW: A satisfying and varied walk with some decent climbs that reward with expansive views. From Akaroa or Woodills North, you soon get to Purple Peak Curry Reserve which is a large, high tract of land with impressive biodiversity encompassing native plants including podocarp, cabbage trees, tōtara, mataī and kahikatea. There’s history here too, with the site of a homestead to explore before descending. Take a picnic and find a sunny spot with unencumbered views because this area is all about stunning vistas.
6. PEEL FOREST PARK SCENIC RESERVE WALKS
Where is it? 22km north of Geraldine. Follow SH 72 and after the Orari Bridge turn onto Geraldine-Arundel Rd, then left onto Peel Forest Rd. Various tracks leave from this road; others can be accessed from Blandswood Rd.
Need to know: A few minutes to a few hours. Medium fitness required. Easy walking to challenging trails. No dogs.
TRACK OVERVIEW: From easy walking on boardwalks and flat, well-formed paths to steeper more challenging bush trails, this reserve is blessed with variety. Remnants of kahikatea swamp forest, giant tōtara, māhoe, kōwhai, kānuka and fuchsia are delightful elements to the park, along with waterfalls and plentiful birdlife. There’s also history here, with saw pits, tramway routes and artefacts from the milling days of the mid-19th century. Fortunately, they weren’t all logged. An accessible highlight is the Big Tree Walk which takes in several of the remaining giants, including a tōtara almost 3m across. There’s also at least 10 species of native birds can be found here including the native wood pigeon/kererū. Peel Forest Park Scenic Reserve is a large, DOC administered native bush reserve with a variety of trails from 30min to 3hr. The camping ground here is an ideal base from which to explore the park’s many trails.
7. CAROLINE BAY, TIMARU BOTANIC GARDENS & CENTENNIAL PARK WALKS
Little blue penguins, Caroline Bay, Timaru © South Canterbury Tourism
Where is it? Central Timaru is the starting point for the Caroline Bay and Botanic Gardens trails and Claremont Rd for the Centennial Park walks.
Terrain: Paved paths and steps for the urban walks; unpaved but well-constructed paths in Centennial Park.
Need to know: From 30min to 1.5hr. Easy to average fitness required. Easy tramping track. Dogs are allowed on the beach in winter only.
TRACK OVERVIEW: This walk starts at the piazza steps and 30-45 minutes later – having meandered along the coast, up the cliff path for a view of the coast, past rose gardens, fountains, an aviary and tearooms – returns there. While in the area, Timaru Botanic Gardens trail is another delightful half-hour option. Start at the Queen St entrance, walk up past the conservatory and fernery to the rose gardens, past the hospital and duck pond to the Queen Victoria Sunken Garden, then downhill to the aviary. For a longer walk, head to the Centennial Park where, from Otipua Rd bridge, you can follow a track for about an hour and a half past a lake, through bush.
